Laurence M. Marlowe, Laurence M

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Laurence M. Marlowe, First Lieutenant, Infantry Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11 Infantry Brigade, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Marlowe distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 2 November 1968 while serving as a platoon leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry. On that date, Lieutenant Marlow was leading his platoon on a combat patrol in the vicinity of Landing Zone Cork when they were ambushed by an enemy force of unknown size. In the initial burst of fire, four members of the platoon were seriously wounded, and the remainder of the men took hasty positions for cover. Lieutenant Marlowe immediately exposed himself to the enemy fire as he maneuvered across open terrain, repositioning his men and preparing them for an assault. He then led an attack on the enemy positions and killed three insurgents. When dustoff operations were endangered by enemy snipers, Lieutenant Marlowe again braved the hostile fire ***** in loading the wounded aboard the aircraft. His timely and courageous actions were responsible for the rout of the enemy force and the swift and safe evacuation of his comrades. First Lieutenant Marlowe’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.